Robot-assisted-radical-cystectomy with total intracorporeal Y neobladder: Analysis of postoperative complications and functional outcomes with urodynamics findings

Atlas of Intracorporeal Orthotopic Neobladder Techniques After Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy and Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Multiple and heterogeneous techniques have been described for orthotopic neobladder (ONB) reconstruction after robot-assisted radical cystectomy. Nonetheless, a systematic assessment of all the available options is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To provide the first comprehensive step-by-step description of all the available techniques for robotic intracorporeal ONB together with individual intraoperative, perioperative and functional outcomes based on a systematic review of the literature.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed a systematic review of the literature, and MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify original articles describing different robotic intracorporeal ONB techniques and reporting intra- and perioperative outcomes. Studies were categorized according to ONB type, providing a synthesis of the current evidence. Video material was provided by experts in the field to illustrate the surgical technique of each intracorporeal ONB.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Nine different ONB types were identified: Studer, Hautmann, Y shape, U shape, Bordeaux, Pyramid, Shell, Florence Robotic Intracorporeal Neobladder, and Padua Ileal Neobladder.

MEASUREMENTS

Continuous and categorical variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation and as frequencies and proportions, respectively.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 2587 studies identified, 19 met our inclusion criteria. No cohort studies or randomized control trials comparing different neobladder types are available. Available techniques for intracorporeal robotic ONB reconstruction have similar operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications, and length of stay. Major variability exists concerning postoperative complications and functional outcomes, likely related to reporting bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Several techniques are described for intracorporeal ONB during robot-assisted radical cystectomy with comparable perioperative outcomes. We provide the first step-by-step surgical atlas for robot-assisted ONB reconstruction. Further comparative studies are needed to assess any advantage of one technique over others.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Patients elected for radical cystectomy should be aware that multiple techniques for robotic orthotopic neobladder are available, but that current evidence does not favor one type over the others.

Urodynamic Parameters and Continence Outcomes in Asymptomatic Patients with Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis

INTRODUCTION

The orthotopic neobladder is the type of urinary diversion (UD) that most closely resembles the original bladder. However, in the literature the urodynamic aspects are scarcely analysed.

OBJECTIVE

To provide the first systematic review (SR) on the urodynamic (UDS) outcomes of the ileal orthotopic neobladders (ONB). Continence outcomes are also presented.

METHODS

A PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL search for peer-reviewed studies on ONB published between January 2001-December 2022 was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Fifty-nine manuscripts were eligible for inclusion in this SR. A great heterogeneity of data was encountered. Concerning UDS parameters, the pooled mean was 406.2 mL (95% CI: 378.9-433.4 mL) for maximal (entero)cystometric capacity (MCC) and 21.4 cmH2O (95% CI: 17.5-25.4 cmH2O) for Pressure ONB at MCC. Postvoid-residual ranged between 4.9 and 101.6 mL. The 12-mo rates of day and night-time continence were 84.2% (95% CI: 78.7-89.1%) and 61.7% (95% CI: 51.9-71.1%), respectively.Despite data heterogeneity, the ileal ONB seems to guarantee UDS parameters that resemble those of the native bladder. Although acceptable rates of daytime continence are reported the issue of high rates of night-time incontinence remains unsolved. Adequately designed prospective trials adopting standardised postoperative care, terminology and methods of outcome evaluation as well as of conduction of the UDS in the setting of ONB are necessary to obtain homogeneous follow-up data and to establish UDS guidelines for this setting.

Robot-assisted Surgery in the Field of Urology: The Most Pioneering Approaches 2015-2023

Robot-assisted surgery has emerged as a transformative technology, revolutionizing surgical approaches and techniques that decades ago could barely be imagined. The field of urology has taken charge in pioneering a new era of minimally invasive surgery with the ascent of robotic systems which offer enhanced visualization, precision, dexterity, and enabling surgeons to perform intricate maneuvers with improved accuracy. This has led to improved surgical outcomes, including reduced blood loss, lower complication rates, and faster patient recovery. The aim of our review is to present an evidence-based critical analysis on the most pioneering robotic urologic approaches described over the last eight years (2015-2023).

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion by mechanical stapler: prospective evaluation of early and late complications

Introduction

Radical cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection is the gold standard treatment for non-metastatic muscle-invasive bladder cancer and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. For years, the traditional open surgery approach was the only viable option. The widespread of robotic surgery led to its employment also in radical cystectomy to reduce complication rates and improve functional outcomes. Regardless of the type of approach, radical cystectomy is a procedure with high morbidity and not negligible mortality. Data available in the literature show how the use of staplers can offer valid functional outcomes, with an acceptable rate of complications shortening the operative time. The aim of our study was to describe the perioperative outcomes and complications associated with robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) using a mechanical stapler.

Material and methods

From January 2015 to May 2021, we enrolled patients who underwent RARC with pelvic node dissection and stapled ICUD (ileal conduit or ileal Y-shaped neobladder according to the Perugia ileal neobladder) in our high-volume center. Demographic features, perioperative outcomes and early (≤30 days) and late (>90 days) post-operative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, were recorded for each patient. We also analyzed the potential linear correlation between demographic, pre-operative as well as operative features and the risk of post-operative complications.

Results

Overall, 112 patients who underwent RARC with ICUD were included with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Intracorporeal Perugia ileal neobladder was performed in 74.1% of cases while ileal conduit was performed in 25.9%. The mean operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, and LOS were 289.1 ± 59.7 min, 390.6 ± 186.2 ml, and 17.5 ± 9.8 days, respectively. Early minor and major complications accounted for 26.7% and 10.8%, respectively. Overall late complications were 40.2%. The late most common complications were hydronephrosis (11.6%) and urinary tract infections (20.5%). Stone reservoir formation occurred in 2.7% of patients. Major complications occurred in 5.4%. In the sub-analysis, the mean operative time and the estimated blood loss improved significantly from the first 56 procedures to the last ones.

Conclusion

RARC with ICUD performed by mechanical stapler is a safe and effective technique. Stapled Y-shaped neobladder did not increase the complication rate.

Current evidence of robotic-assisted surgery use in functional reconstructive and neuro-urology

The use of robot-assisted technology has been widely adopted in urological oncological surgery and its benefits have been well established. In recent years, robotic technology has also been used in several functional reconstructive and neuro-urology (FRNU) procedures. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current evidence in the use of robotic technology in the field of FRNU. We performed a PubMed-based literature search between July and August 2022. The keywords we included were 'robotic assisted', 'ureteric reimplantation', 'cystoplasty', 'ileal conduit', 'neobladder', 'sacrocolpopexy', 'colposuspension', 'artificial urinary sphincter', 'genitourinary fistula' and 'posterior urethral stenoses'. We identified the latest available evidence in the use of robotic technology in specific FRNU procedures such as the reconstruction of the ureters, bladder and urinary sphincter, urinary diversion, and repair of genitourinary prolapse and fistula. We found that there is a lack of prospective studies to assess the robotic-assisted approach in the field of FRNU. Despite this, the advantages that robotic technology can bring to the field of FRNU are evident, including better ergonomics and visual field, less blood loss and shorter hospital stays. There is therefore a need for further prospective studies with larger patient numbers and longer follow-up periods to establish the reproducibility of these results and the long-term efficacy of the procedures, as well as the impact on patient outcomes. Common index procedures and a standardized approach to these procedures should be identified to enhance training.

Endopelvic Fascia Sparing Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Studer Pouch with Balbay's Technique

Background and Objectives

Robotic radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion is a technically complicated, time-consuming procedure. The aim of this study was to present the operative, pathological, oncological, and functional outcomes of patients who underwent endopelvic fascia sparing (EPFS) RARC with intracorporeal Studer pouch formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is first series in the literature that includes EPFS RARC.

Methods

Between October 1, 2019 and April 30, 2022, 10 bladder cancer patients underwent EPFS RARC, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection with intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction with Balbay's technique. Patient demographics, operative, and post-operative parameters were recorded.

Results

Among 10 patients, 8 were male and 2 were female. Mean operative time, median estimated blood loss, and median duration of hospital stay was 530 minutes, 316 ml, and 8 days, respectively. One month postoperatively, the mean maximum flow, average flow rate, mean voided, and post-voided urine volume were 20.2 ml/sec, 4.4 ml/sec, 273.6 ml, and 3.5 ml, respectively. All of the patients were fully continent during day-time, three had mild night-time incontinence requiring pad use (both patients 1 pad per night). During a mean 11.5 months of follow up, zero patients died. One patient with a pathological, stage 4 tumor, had nodal recurrence at six months postoperatively. No distant metastasis were detected.

Conclusion

Endopelvic fascia sparing RARC has very promising early functional results with safe oncological outcomes and low complication rates.

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy and Modified Y-Shaped Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder Reconstruction

Background

Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction has become the preferred method of urinary diversion after radical cystectomy in major medical centers. We performed modified Y-shaped ileal orthotopic neobladder reconstruction and presented the functional results and postoperative complications of the modified surgery.

Methods

We included 21 patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy at our center between February 2019 and December 2019. All patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy and lymph node dissection plus modified Y-shaped ileal orthotopic neobladder reconstruction. We collected the demographic and pathological history of the patients, and perioperative and postoperative functional outcomes and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

All surgeries were successful and no serious postoperative complications occurred. The mean operative time was 321.43 ± 54.75 min, including 101.67 ± 10.88 min required for neobladder reconstruction. Liquid intake was encouraged about 5 days after surgery, stent and catheter were removed after 13.52 ± 3.28 days, and the patients were discharged 1–2 days after removing the catheter. No ureteral anastomotic and neobladder urethral anastomotic strictures occurred. The volume of the neobladder at 1-year post-surgery was 195.24 ± 16.07 mL and the maximum urinary flow rate was 20.64 ± 2.22 mL/s.

Conclusion

We describe the robotic-assisted modified Y-shaped ileal orthotopic neobladder reconstruction performed at our center, which requires a simple suture and short neobladder construction time, minimizes the occurrence of anastomotic stenosis, facilitates smooth patient emptying, and is clinically scalable and applicable.